Summer shopping advice from the homies

We asked our friends how they're dressing for summer, and they delivered.

No matter where you’ve been these past few weeks, one thing’s true: it’s been hot as hell. Summer dressing has felt like a broken record—tees, shorts, and anything on your feet that doesn’t require socks.

At this point, flip-flops feel less like a choice and more like survival gear.

But finally, as we (hopefully) veer into slightly cooler temps—let’s say, a week without 90-degree days—we’re ready to start layering again.

Bring on the linen fatigue shirts, denim jackets, and breezy seersucker pants. You know, outfits that feel stylish beyond just poolside approval.

To help you ease into the transition, we tapped a few industry insiders to hear what they’re excited to bring back this season—plus a few new pieces they’ve got their eyes on.

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Leon Cerrone — Model and Brand Consultant

What’s your go-to item that gets you excited for summer?

For me, I know it's summer when I can break out the Madras—whether it's a jacket, a shirt, or a pair of shorts, that's when it truly feels like summer.

Some of my favorites are from John Simons, which is a bit of an Ivy League institution here in the UK. It's probably my favorite shop in London—and I mean, legends like Jason Jules and Paul Weller shop there, so... enough said!

Describe your favorite warmer weather look.

My favorite summer looks are super simple—I love a pair of cut-off chinos with a Madras shirt and a sweater, paired with some deck shoes. Lately, I’ve also picked up a couple of vintage Lacoste V-neck jumpers and some striped Breton-style T-shirts, which I’ve been wearing with crisp chinos and Paraboot Malibus. Think: French Ivy.

What’s your footwear rotation looking like for summer?

My shoe rotation this summer included a few staples that have stuck around for the past couple of seasons. The Wakouwa deck shoes are just a perfect summer option — they go with everything.

I’ve also been wearing Converse Jack Purcells, although they’re becoming harder to find than any limited sneaker drop out there.

My trusty ALD fisherman sandals, which I’ve had for the last couple of summers, also made a strong return.

I was initially unsure how much I’d wear them or how comfortable they’d be for all-day wear, but I can safely say I’ve worn them a ton — I even pounded the streets of Bologna in them all day, and they were perfect.

A couple of new additions this summer: some Paraboot Malibu in white and a pair of Sebago Portland Mocs in brown. And of course, there’s always a trusty grey pair of New Balances in the mix, plus some old Birkenstock Bostons that I gave a little upgrade with Sagebrush mule clips.

Are there any must-have jackets you recommend for summer layering?

My go-to jackets for summer would be a good denim jacket—really easy to pair with anything, and not too heavy, so it’s super easy to take off and carry.

I have a couple from Dawson Denim: one in indigo, and my favorite, in an off-white denim.

But my all-time favorite summer jacket has to be the Vietnam-era jungle jacket. I’ve got a couple—one with the sleeves cut down and another full-length version.

And 100%, a suede jacket. Just be careful during those summer drinking affairs—I’ve dipped many a suede elbow into puddles of beer left on the bar at the pub!

Any new pieces catching your eye this season?

I love everything GHIAIA Cashmere is doing this season—definitely a bit out of my price range though, haha! I'm also really into what Greg at H.E.S. Sports is doing right now—he's got some super nice shorts coming out, and there's this amazing black one-piece toweling shirt that I think will become a staple for me.

Also, Stan Ray has done an amazing pair of pants this season called the A Pant. They're a straight cut but really loose—I have them in off-white, and they go with everything.

Any personal style do’s or don’ts you live by?

My Do’s:
Accessories, obviously! It’s hard to layer in the summer, so make or finish the outfit with a good accessory. A hat, watch, sunglasses, tote bag—even a jumper thrown over the shoulders or a nice light necktie can do the trick.

My Don’ts:
Just one: don’t overcomplicate things!

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Olivia Suter — Buyer, Net-a-Porter

What’s your go-to item that gets you excited for summer?

I am such a shorts girl and always lean towards the baggier knee-length styles, but do love a little mini short, especially in a leopard denim or something fun like that!

I find summer tricky because I love to layer, so recently my go-to piece has been a strong striped poplin shirt to tie around the waist and make an outfit a bit more exciting. Knits also work.

Any new pieces catching your eye this season?

I love fall, so I’m already warming up to my transitional wardrobe. I’ll be on the lookout for a sleek pony hair jacket and a plaid cashmere shirt—likely from God’s True Cashmere—to wrap around my shoulders when it gets a bit chillier.

If you pushed me to pick something for the current season, I’d say I’m leaning into the boho trend with a silk and lace cami, styled with baggy distressed jeans to keep my boyish edge intact. I’ve seen a few great options from Herskind.

Describe your favorite warmer weather look.

A pair of long ecru denim shorts, a Khaite studded belt, a simple white tank, layered beaded and shell necklaces, flip-flops, and—finally—aviator sunglasses.

What’s your footwear rotation looking like for summer?

I’m constantly rotating between flip-flops, Tabi flats, and loafers.

Are there any must-have jackets you recommend for summer layering?

I just bought this super lightweight jacket from Toteme—it’s great because it adds volume and interest to an outfit while still keeping things cool.

That said, I’m now eagerly waiting for cooler weather so I can start wearing a beautiful suede bomber jacket from Nour Hammour.

Paired with white jeans, Bally loafers, and some long cord necklaces, that’ll be my go-to transitional outfit.

Any personal style do’s or don’ts you live by?

You can never go wrong with a pair of well-fitting jeans.

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Nico Lazaro, stylist, brand consultant, and founder of The Bengal Stripe

What’s your go-to item that gets you excited for summer?

Any sort of button-up or popover in crisp cotton or linen works well. It's a bit more intentional than a tee, but still breathable—and it strikes a nice balance between dressed-up and casual. Throw it on over fatigues or pleated shorts and you're good to go.

Any new pieces catching your eye this season?

Lately, I’ve been drawn to anything that nods to ’80s Armani or vintage Banana Republic—loose silhouettes, desert tones, blousier shirts. I’m also watching the return of Madras plaid with interest; it feels due for a reappraisal.

Describe your favorite warmer weather look.

Either a loose long-sleeve shirt, buttoned low, or a knit polo; pleated shorts that hit mid-thigh or just above the knee; and well-worn slip-ons with no socks. A few pieces of mixed-metal jewelry—sterling silver and gold. Maybe a salty dad hat if I’m feeling it. It’s an “on vacation, but not a tourist” vibe.

What’s your footwear rotation looking like for summer?

Loafers—preferably in suede or pebble grain for added visual interest—old-school sneakers from PANE, Moonstar (for Buck Mason), or Tretorn Nylites, and a pair of black Horween leather T-strap shoes from Aurora for when I stop caring. If I’m dressing things up (I’ve got a couple of weddings later this summer), I usually reach for a broken-in Belgian-style slipper. Hoping to work some huaraches into the mix at some point, too.

Are there any must-have jackets you recommend for summer layering?

I’m big on trucker jackets, especially a crunchy Type I denim jacket—that is, one you let wrinkle and dry in the sun. If you want something simpler, I’d opt for a lightweight cotton chore coat. For something a bit more advanced, an unstructured safari jacket looks great in linen, cotton, tropical wool, or any summer-weight fabric blend that isn’t synthetic. It’s something you can easily crumple up in a tote and still throw on over a tee or popover when the sun dips.

Any personal style do’s or don’ts you live by?

Do: Find a uniform that feels like you, then break it on purpose.

Don’t: Dress like an aesthetic. Be influenced, sure (that’s unavoidable and part of the fun), but the goal is always to look like yourself—not an algorithm.

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Samuel Hardeman, Co-founder of Big Rock Candy Mountaineering

What’s your go-to item that gets you excited for summer?

My summer go-to item is a pair of flip-flops I got last year. I was deep in a vintage surf rabbit hole and noticed that a lot of old-school flip-flops used rivet construction—but I couldn’t find anyone making them like that anymore.

Fast forward a few months, and my wife surprised me with the exact pair I wanted. She had them custom-made from a shop called The Sandalman (they’ve been handcrafting sandals in Southern California since 1976).

I’d never really worn flip-flops before, but now I can’t stop.

Any new pieces catching your eye this season?

I haven’t pulled the trigger yet, but I’ve got my eye on a pair of Yuketen Canoe Mocs.

Lately, I’ve been diving into the counterculture movements of the 1960s, especially those rooted in the U.S. My grandparents were hippies in Northern California, and my grandpa recently told me my grandma once made him a pair of suede leather mocs to wear with his homemade leather pants. That sealed the deal for me.

Describe your favorite warmer weather look.

One of the perks of designing and owning a brand is that I get to make exactly what I want to wear. Lately, I’ve been rotating between our Doubleback Shorts in Coffee and the Lost Arrow Notch Pants in Egg Nog. I think we really nailed the fit on the shorts—they're cut wide through the hip and leg opening, and the inseam isn’t too long. I even cut an extra inch off mine.

The Lost Arrow Notch Pants are based on my all-time favorite pair of vintage P41s that I, unfortunately, outgrew.

Up top, I’ve been wearing a steady rotation of vintage short-sleeve button-downs. My current favorite is a Sears Roebuck western shirt I found with the sleeves already cut off.

And more often than not, I’m wearing a hat—either our BRCM Truckin’ Twill cap, a vintage polka dot welding cap, or a denim Daisy Mae.

What’s your footwear rotation looking like for summer?

The previously mentioned flip-flops are my daily drivers around town and at home. For closed-toe activities, I rotate between a pair of Nike LD-1000s, BRCM El Cap boots, and Wythe Roper boots.

Are there any must-have jackets you recommend for summer layering?

I just moved to Tennessee after a stint in California, and it’s been raining a lot—which has been great for finally putting the new eVent Dawn Wall jacket to regular use. I didn’t get many chances to wear it in California while we were working on it, but I’ve been really happy with it. The performance is excellent, the fit is great, and it’s easy to take care of.

Any personal style do’s or don’ts you live by?

No serious do’s or don’ts—I like to have fun and incorporate color because it makes me happy. And to me, that’s what getting dressed is all about.